A Real Post This Time.

Look. I’m going to start off here by telling you the truth, because while I may make up stories for a living, telling the truth is all I’m really good at.

I don’t want to write a blog.

There are a lot of things on my life that could probably appear here that would depress readers, or forfeit whatever dignity you imagine I have. Twitter is more my speed. Writing about my own pile of life-stuff in depth seems like dangerous territory.

But I’m going to do it anyway. Which means you need a Rachel Primer.

Lesson 1. I grew up slightly off-center from the middle of nowhere in Vermont. This means you will sometimes see references to using firearms at age 12, being chased up apple trees by large animals, and being an “honorary Canadian.” Do not be alarmed. In my land, these things are perfectly normal.

Lesson 2. I am feminist as all hell. My mother is a tiny, fierce woman who can drive a forklift, and I continue our line of 110 lb Amazons not only by doing my own home repairs but by being loud and political. If this is going to be a problem, you are obviously welcome to go read someone else’s blog instead. If you’re with me, cheers.

Lesson 3. I have a chronic illness. This is the depressing part. I use a cane most of the time, and a wheelchair when necessary. I live with a lot of pain. Autoimmune disorders like mine are manageable, but never easy to live with. It’s not fun to have, or to talk about. Still, there’s no sense in pretending to be perfectly able-bodied when it’s both more honest and more productive to write the truth.

Those should be all the important bits. Feel free to ask questions, and welcome to the blog.